Nigeria Received Over N1.68bn COVID-19 Donations In Two Months – AGF

He explained that the monies were donated through designated commercial banks accounts, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Treasury Single Account (TSA) between April 1 and May 31, 2020.

Ogubike noted that the figure was contained in a public notice on the details of the donations received through Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) and CBN/TSA signed by the AGF, Ahmed Idris.

He said, “It could be recalled that recently, the Federal Government through the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, opened commercial banks accounts, in addition to the CBN/TSA account, through which donations to support the eradication of the COVID-19 in Nigeria could be made to ensure effective and efficient coordination and management of the funds.

“A breakdown of the N1,689,757,489.87 received from the inception of accounts on 1st April 2020 to 31st May 2020, indicated that a total donation of N792,121,613.89 was received from 1st April to 8th May 2020, while N 897,635,875.98 was received from 9th May to 31st May 2020.”

According to the AGF office’s spokesman, N710,076,331.60 of the N897,635,875.98 was received through commercial banks and the remaining came in through CBN/TSA.

He added that from May 9 to 31, the sum of N100,005,000.00 was received through Zenith Bank, N507,753,731.60 was received through First Bank, N2,210,100.00 was received through Access Bank, and N100,107,500.00 was received through GT Bank.

Ogubike stated that the details of the N792,121,613.89 received from April 1 to May 8 had been made public.

Source: Ijebuloaded

Man City defeat Arsenal as Premier league returns

Strikes from Raheem Sterling, Kevin De Bruyne and Phil Foden sees
Manchester City enjoy a winning return to the Premier League, which put the match to end at 3 – 0 in favour of Machester city. Arsenal was reduced to 10-men after David Luiz was sent off, within 25 minutes of his arrival.
The result sees City remain second with 60 points from 29 games, while Arsenal has 40 from the same number of matches.

U.S urges Nigerian Government to do more to protect civilian

The United States Government has condemned the killings of civilians in northern Nigeria.
In a statement published on the Department of States website on Tuesday, June 16, the U.S. urged the Buhari-led administration to intensify efforts in protecting Nigerians as well as bringing those responsible for the killings to book.
The statement signed by Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo, reads: “We condemn the recent senseless and brazen killings of civilians in northern Nigeria.
“In recent weeks, suspected ISIS West Africa militants launched multiple attacks in Borno State, killing more than 120 civilians, including women, children, and the elderly. On June 9, unidentified armed bandits attacked a village in Katsina State, killing dozens.
“These horrific crimes follow the shooting of a pastor and his pregnant wife on June 1 and the killing of an imam, local village head, and several civilians on June 5 in the course of intercommunal violence in Taraba State.”
The U.S government also maintained that religious persecution exists in the country, adding that it had led to the death of many.
“Tens of thousands of civilians have lost their lives in Nigeria in recent years to violent attacks by terrorist groups or criminal gangs, in inter-communal violence, or due to their religious beliefs. “
The statement continued: “The United States calls on the Government of Nigeria to do more to strengthen ongoing efforts to address this violence, hold those responsible accountable, and protect civilians.”

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American-born radio broadcaster, Dan Foster, is dead

Foster, a native of Washington DC in the United States, was a popular voice on Cool FM, Inspiration FM, City FM and Classic FM in Nigeria where he lived since the year 2000 until his death.
He was also a judge on the Idols and other talent hunt shows during his lifetime.

Why NYSC camp should be closed for two years- Osinbajo

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo says all camps where the National Youth Service Corps orientation exercises are usually undertaken should be closed for two years because of the Covid-19 protocol which demands social distancing.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Laolu Akande, said this in a series of tweets on Tuesday while reacting to the controversy generated by the Economic Sustainability Committee report.
The tweets read in part, “Contrary to reports circulating in the mainstream media, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo did not call for the suspension of the National Youth Service Corps.
“It’s the paramilitary orientation camping that is being considered to be suspended for at least 24 months, not deployment to primary assignment i.e. the longer part of NYSC programme would not be affected in case this idea is okayed.
“The Economic Sustainability Committee in its report submitted by Osinbajo last week, recommended the direct mobilisation of prospective corps members to their places of primary assignment.”
He said the suspension of the camping exercise was recommended to maintain social distancing as part of measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus disease.

APC names ex-Oyo gov, Ajimobi Acting National Chairman

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has taken an action on the Court of Appeal decision which  upheld the suspension of the National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole.

The initial suspension was ordered by an FCT High Court.

In a statement Tuesday night, APC National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu, said it has been guided by the legal department.

He noted that in line with the provisions of Section 14.2. (iii) of the party’s constitution, “the Deputy National Chairman (South), Sen. Abiola Ajimobi will serve as the Party’s Acting National Chairman”.

The spokesman said according to the Section, the Deputy National Chairman, North/South “shall act as the National Chairman in the absence of the National Chairman from his zone”.

However, Ajimobi, a former Governor of Oyo State, has been away from the public lately.

He is reportedly recieving medical treatment for an unconfirmed illness in a Lagos hospital

Obstacles mount for Obaseki in PDP

The Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo, Mr Tony Aziegbemi, has vowed not to grant Gov. Godwin Obaseki an automatic ticket of the party to contest for re-election.
Since Obaseki was disqualified by the All Progressives Congress screening committee, he has reportedly been making moves to join the PDP.
He has visited two governors in the South South, Nyesom Wike in Rivers and Emmanuel Udom in Akwa Ibom.
Aziegbemi told NAN: “I can confirm to you that the governor, his deputy and the entire APC structure in the state will be joining PDP soon.
“We have been in touch in the last few days; by tomorrow, I will be able to confirm the exact date he will be joining, along with his team.
“However, I am not yet aware that the governor has obtained our party’s membership card. I can also say that there is no automatic ticket in the offing for him at all,” he said.
Similarly, a governorship aspirant of the PDP, Mr Ken Imasuagbon, has said he is prepared for open contest, provided his opponents will be ready to subject themselves to the party’s rules and regulations.
Imasuagbon said he was not averse to Obaseki’s planned move to join the party, but added that he would resist any attempt to hand over the party’s ticket to him, preparatory to the governorship election slated for Sept. 19.
According to him, Obaseki will have to join the queue, just like other aspirants, and go through the party’s primaries, billed for June 19 and June 20.
“Any attempt to hand the party’s ticket to him will be met with serious resistance. In fact, there will be no PDP primaries or whatever if the party’s leadership tries it.
“This is neither a military coup nor military rule; the governor must subject himself to the party’s primaries.
“He will need to queue with the other aspirants, if he wishes to join the race. But we will certainly resist handing him over the ticket automatically.
“Have you heard before that somebody will join a party and within three days, he will be given the ticket? Did he buy the party’s nomination form? Was he screened?” he queried.

Man City to wear special shirt against Arsenal

Manchester City will wear special shirts for Wednesday’s Premier League match against Arsenal in recognition of a coronavirus relief-fund campaign set up by City Football Group.
Pep Guardiola’s side will resume their season live on Sky Sports Premier League as they welcome Mikel Arteta back to the Etihad Stadium for the first time since the Spaniard made the move to Arsenal in December.

Lagos cancels planned reopening of worship centres

The Lagos State Government on Tuesday said it cannot proceed with the planned reopening of churches and mosques in the state given the current evaluation of coronavirus infections in the state.

Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State governor, said this on Tuesday during a press briefing at the state house, describing the decision as “a tough one.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu said since the announcement of June 19 as the date for reopening of religious centres on conditions that they will strictly comply with health guidelines, the state has been closely monitoring the situation and has now concluded that any form of re-opening cannot proceed.

“We are now hereby suspending, with immediate effect, the plan to re-open religious houses and places of worship in Lagos State, until further notice. We will continue to monitor the situation closely, and continue to base our decision-making on data modelling; as well as on the responsibility we have to act in a manner that ensures the protection of all of you the people of Lagos State.

“This is not a decision that we have taken lightly, it is simply in line with our ongoing evaluation of evolving scenarios regarding the course of the infection in Lagos State and the corresponding public health advisory guidelines issued by the experts.

“Therefore, until further notice, all places of worship in Lagos State will remain closed. Social and events centers, and social clubs, will also remain closed, for now,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

The governor said as of Monday, Lagos State had recorded 7,319 confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection.

Of this number, 1,137 have fully recovered and been discharged, while 82 have died, leaving 6,100 active cases under management in the state, he said.

“Our dear state, therefore, continues to be the epicentre of the coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria, with about 44% of the total number of confirmed cases nationwide.

“Let me make this clear, that we are now fully in the phase of personal responsibility, regarding this pandemic. This means that, while the Government maintains its responsibility to take protective decisions for the common good, what will ultimately save us all and defeat this virus are the sensible personal decisions that we take on a daily basis,” Mr Sanwo-Olu said.

He further said while the government continues to do everything to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the people, citizens must be responsible.

“Decisions to use masks anytime you are out of your house, to avoid non-essential travel, to stay at home when we don’t have any business being outside, to wash or sanitize our hands regularly – these are the simple but necessary steps that will save and protect us all.”

Mr Sanwo-Olu added that the steady increase in the number of confirmed cases is by no means unexpected, considering that the infection is at a community transmission stage. He said the more tests are done, the more positive cases will emerge.

The governor urged Lagos residents to comport themselves in a responsible manner while the government continues to do what it can to ensure public safety.

FG lists conditions for reopening of schools

The Federal Government on Tuesday while reacting to calls by some people and groups for schools across the country to be reopened, listed some conditions that must be met by each school.
It said, “All Institutions must have (1) Hand-washing facilities, (2) Body temperature checks (3) Body disinfectants at all entering points to their major facilities including the gates, hostels, classes, offices, etc. (4) The whole premises of each institution must be decontaminated and (5) All efforts must be geared toward maintenance of the highest level of hygiene (6) Ensure Social and Physical Distancing in class sizes and meeting spaces.”
FG also warned against reopening any school without its approval.
Recall that on March 19, 2020, a circular from the Federal Ministry of Education granted approval for the closure of all school for a period of one month commencing from Monday, March 23, 2020, to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Each state in Nigeria has, however, contextualised this circular.